They helped each other.
At the time of the debate, Cain was the front-runner and Newt was the also-ran.
You are discussing the content of the debate. I didn’t see the debate. I was describing the fact of the debate itself. Of course Newt out-performed Cain in the debate.
Cain had already done well enough in debates and didn’t need the extra attention. Newt needed a chance to stand out. Cain provided it.
Both men were gentlemen to their opponents until Romney decided to lower the level of the entire campaign.
I watched the debate, and Cain was clueless on a couple of occasions, stumbling and bumbling rolling his eyes and rubbing his chin, but rather than make it a Perry moment, Newt swooped in to save his opponent.